Beyond Words, The Soaring Demand for Language Services Across America

Across the United States, from hospitals and classrooms to courtrooms and government agencies, one thing is becoming impossible to ignore, the need for professional language services is increasing. State after state, the US is experiencing a significant shift in its linguistic and cultural landscape and it's more than a trend.

In 2024, the human interpretation market saw an impressive 25.5% increase, reaching $11.6 billion. The numbers don't lie, more Americans are seeking help in languages other than English, and the institutions that serve them must evolve and meet this rise in demand quickly.

The US foreign born population hit an all time high of nearly 48 million in 2023, growing by 3.3 million in just one year. These individuals are not temporary visitors. Many are permanent residents, citizenship applicants, or asylum seekers, future citizens, people navigating the most important moments of their lives from medical diagnoses to legal hearings, child welfare decisions, school enrollment for their children and on. 2024 even concluded with nearly 3 million inadmissible encounters at US borders, highlighting the increasing number of individuals seeking entry into the country.

Industry data reflects this shift as well. In Healthcare, since the pandemic, Video Remote Interpreting (VRI) usage has increased by 50%. Today, 65% of U.S. hospitals use it regularly to bridge language gaps. K–12 schools have seen a 13% rise in English Learners over the past decade. They now make up more than 10% of the national student population. US courts have reported a 30% rise in interpreter hours over the last five years, reflecting increased demand for access to justice across languages. And in Government, federal spending on language services has grown to an estimated $700–800 million annually, with nearly half of all agencies relying on interpreters to serve diverse communities.

This isn’t just a matter of operational need, it’s a question of access, equity, and readiness. Institutions must adapt not only to comply with legal obligations, but to build trust and deliver essential services effectively. Language is often the bridge between confusion and clarity, between fear and understanding.

While many organizations are scrambling to respond, some providers have been working in this space for decades. Companies like Interpreters Unlimited, which has operated for over 50 years providing foreign language interpretation and document translation, report firsthand the sharp increase in language service requests, not just from immigration related offices, but from public schools, hospitals, courts, and state agencies.

“We’re seeing more demand across the board, it’s not just one sector, and it’s not going away,” said Shamus Sayed, COO of Interpreters Unlimited. “Organizations are beginning to realize that serving diverse communities means meeting people where they are, and that starts with language. It’s not just an option anymore, it’s a necessity.”

As immigration remains in the national conversation and our population becomes more linguistically diverse, it’s clear this isn’t a passing moment. For all organizations, all industries, this moment presents both a challenge and an opportunity to build systems that are more inclusive, responsive, and prepared for the demographic realities of the country. As the country continues to diversify linguistically, and more residents and families seek essential services without full fluency in English, experts say organizations must prepare now or risk falling behind.

Providing high quality, professional language services is not only essential for effective communication, it’s the foundation for equity, trust, and service accessibility in a changing America. A reliable language partner isn’t optional, it’s essential.

For more information about Interpreters Unlimited and the full suite of language services they provide, please visit www.interpreters.com or call 800-726-9891.